With the sad events at the start of September placing unprecedented demands on the Metropolitan Police’s manpower resources, the RGP received a request for mutual aid from the National Police Co-ordination Centre. As a result, six RGP officers made the trip to London to assist with policing duties in connection with events that lead up to the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As part of procedure, the six officers were sworn in to give them all the powers of Metropolitan Police Service officers. Whilst in London, they represented Gibraltar by continuing to wear their RGP uniforms.
Along with other officers from the Overseas Territories, including the Bermuda, Falkland Islands and the BVIs, the RGP officers assisted with arrangements for the large numbers of people who wished to pay their respects at the lying in state. The officers also wore ceremonial dress when they lined the route of the funeral cortege.
The Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger said that, whilst it was a very sad time for the Royal Gibraltar Police, as it is indeed for the people of Gibraltar, it was equally a very proud moment for the Force to be a part of these very special events.
He also noted that two of the six officers had deployed to London shortly after coming off the Proclamation Parade.
“The officers who have already been deployed have all expressed their immense pride to serve the Queen one last time and I am grateful for the professionalism and dedication they have shown.”
